Buddies can get hands on at sign language classes

A successful sign language course which was popular with Buddies is set to return again next month.

The classes, which are hosted by Paisley Arts Centre, will be led by profoundly deaf tutor Graham Dow and David O’Rorke who holds a SQA Level 3 certificate in British sign language.

Last year saw more than 100 people turn up for the classes – more than double what organisers Renfrewshire Leisure expected.

Staff who had organised the British Sign Language sessions reckoned they would get 50 people coming along, but they were astounded when there was a queue of 128 waiting to join the Paisley Arts Centre’s Sign Language Club.

Organiser Emma Armstrong, who works for Renfrewshire Leisure, was delighted with the response.

She is hopeful it will also be a success this time round.

She said:“We had people coming along to learn BSL for all sorts of reasons.

“One lady wanted to learn because her grandson was born deaf and would be learning Makaton – the children’s version of BSL.

“She wanted to be able to communicate with the boy.

“Some people wanted to use the signing skill in their workplace and others were just interested in learning BSL.

“Everything was very informal and everyone had a lot of fun.

“People were also very keen to learn sign language.”

The classes include sessions for beginners, those at intermediate levels, as well as a family-friendly class to encourage children and parents to learn together.

The workshops will be taught in a fun and friendly environment, where people can learn the basics or improve their knowledge of sign language.

The sessions follow the introduction of six-week blocks of tutoring hosted by the arts centre last year when an incredible 128 people turned up, and their BSL club is still going strong.

There are two beginners sessions available, one at 7pm on Mondays and a second at 11am on Saturdays.

An intermediate class will take place at 6pm on Mondays.

Family sessions are scheduled for midday on Saturdays.

All classes will commence in the first week of March.